As the eve of Hari Raya approaches, the Ramadan bazaar at the Jalan Masjid India area attracts a surge of last-minute shoppers looking for slashed prices. The narrow alleys behind ‘Batu Road’ are where the action is. Explore with chin and camera up!
The Ramadan festive bazaar at Jalan Masjid India winds down at around 3 in the morning. Traders prepare for a brief nap in their makeshift bedrooms, road sweepers emerge from nowhere while others converge at nearby tea stalls. I ventured there with the new Olympus Pen E-P3 paired with my favourite street lens, the new m.Zuiko 12mm (24 eq) f2.0 prime…
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 800, f2, 1/60 sec
Wayang Kanvas. Around 3:00 am, the tarps are drawn down and the silhouettes presented a fascinating shadow play.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec
Uncle Bob (right) kept reminding me his chicken is skinless, grease-free and therefore healthy. Quite tasty actually.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f2, 1/80 sec
Long Time No Tea. I was touched that the famous tea makers came out to hug me. I was a regular there during the ’11 LA’ heydays. The party godown was across the river.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec
The Manny. The f 2.0 lens is great for subject isolation. Not overly shallow but still sufficiently bright for handheld night photography.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 500, f2, 1/60 sec
Ali’s Sticks. To prevent himself from keeling over, the steam-stick seller rely on a can of Tongkat Ali-spiked energy tea.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/50 sec
Back Street Boy. Some pulled down the tarps to sleep, others dance around the rubbish pile. I like this guy’s enthusiasm, even at 3 am.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 1600, f2, 1/40 sec
Smooth As Lace. A pillar ad on the front of a lace shop befits the tranquillity of the hour.
All pictures photographed with the Olympus Pen E-P3 by & © TV Smith
Tip: You can view larger versions of the images here, gallery-style. When the page finishes loading, click on any picture. Navigate via the arrows on each side of the frame.
The Ramadan Bazaar at Section 14 is a celebration of us. The crowd is diverse, the fashion contrasting and the food tantalising. The riot of colours, smoke and strong sun presented a wonderful photographic opportunity.
I’ve included some photography tips with this photo essay. And those who asked whether the new E-P3 carried over the legendary Olympus colours, judge for yourself…
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec
Peaceful, Multi-Racial Assembly. Crowd queuing patiently for famous Kassim’s Popiah Basah. Popiah, a Hokkien spring roll, means ‘thin biscuit.’ I chose a wide angle lens to take in the queue curling around the back lane.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.5, 1/160 sec
The Wizard’s Brew Is Bubbling! Smokin’ Kerang. This kind of shot is possible only when the sun gets low. So timing is important.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/200 sec
She Sells Sea Shells. I stuck the ultra-wide-angle lens so close that the lens misted up from the heat and smoke. An UWA exaggerates perspective and adds drama to any scene.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec
Going Dutch. On the other hand, a simple ‘Dutch Angle’ adds dynamism to certain scenes. Use the tilt wisely.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f7.1, 1/250 sec
Sour Sun. With subjects like ice and liquid, don’t be afraid to shoot against the sun. Backlit, the drink jumps out at you.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/250 sec
Frame The Man. Tough but if you are patient, use people to frame a subject. See how the eyes draw you to the action.
Olympus Pen E-P3, ISO 640, f6.7, 1/250 sec
Texting Time. Use a short tele to pick out candids but move in closer afterwards so the subjects get a chance to ask you why you were photographing them, if they want to.
All pictures photographed with the Olympus Pen E-P3 by & © TV Smith
Tip: You can view larger versions of the images here, gallery-style. When the page finishes loading, click on any picture. Navigate via the arrows on each side of the frame.